QMS Manager

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

A. QMS Ownership & Documentation Governance

• Own and maintain the full QMS documentation architecture: Quality Manual, Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions (WIs), Formats, and Records across all departments.
• Establish a documentation review calendar with defined revision cycles. Ensure every document reflects current shop-floor practicenot outdated or aspirational processes.
• Implement a robust Document Change Request (DCR) mechanism so that any process change on the floor triggers a corresponding document update, and vice versa.
• Maintain a master document register with version control, ensuring no obsolete documents remain in circulation on the shop floor.

B. Floor-to-Document Alignment (Core Gap Closure)

• Conduct regular, structured Gemba walks across all production areas (extrusion, anodizing, fabrication, packing, stores, tool room) to observe actual practices and compare them against documented procedures.
• Identify and formally log all instances of floor–document disconnect: undocumented practices, deviations from SOPs, informal workarounds, and missing records.
• Drive corrective actions to resolve each disconnect—either by updating the documentation to reflect validated best practices, or by retraining operators to follow documented procedures.
• Establish a floor-documentation alignment scorecard with measurable KPIs, reported monthly to the Plant Head and Director.

C. Audit Readiness & Customer Audit Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all customer audits (automotive OEM and Tier 1), second-party audits, and third-party certification audits.
• Maintain a perpetual state of audit readiness—no scramble period should be required before any scheduled or surprise audit.
• Coordinate pre-audit preparations including internal mock audits, area-wise readiness checklists, and operator briefings.
• Track all audit findings (NCs, observations, opportunities for improvement) in a centralized CAPA tracker with defined owners, timelines, and evidence of closure.
• Report audit status, open findings, and readiness gaps directly to the Director and marketing teams to ensure alignment on customer-facing commitments.

D. Internal Audit Programme

• Plan, schedule, and execute the annual internal audit programme covering all clauses of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and VDA 6.3 process audit requirements.
• Train and develop a pool of qualified internal auditors across departments. Lead auditor calibration to ensure consistency in audit quality and findings.
• Ensure internal audits specifically test floor–document alignment, not just procedural compliance on paper.

E. Integrated Management System (IMS) Compliance

• Manage compliance across the full scope of Century’s integrated management system: IATF 16949 / ISO 9001 (QMS), ISO 14001 (EMS), ISO 45001 (OH&S), VDA 6.3 (Process Audit), and any additional certifications the company pursues.
• Ensure cross-functional integration of EHS, environmental, and quality objectives rather than siloed compliance.
• Coordinate with external certification bodies for surveillance audits, recertification audits, and scope extensions.

F. Process Approach & Continuous Improvement

• Apply the automotive process approach (Turtle Diagrams, Process FMEAs, Control Plans) to define, monitor, and improve key manufacturing and business processes.
• Drive measurable improvements in quality KPIs: internal PPM, customer PPM, COPQ, first-pass yield, delivery adherence, and customer complaint closure time.
• Lead Management Review Meetings (MRMs) with data-driven inputs covering QMS performance, audit results, customer feedback, and process metrics.

G. Supplier & Customer Quality Interface

• Conduct or support supplier audits (VDA 6.3 process audits) for critical raw material and component suppliers.
• Interface with customer quality teams on PPAP submissions, 8D responses, and ongoing quality communication.
• Support APQP activities for new product development as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Metallurgy, Production, or Industrial Engineering preferred). MBA or PG Diploma in Quality Management is a plus.
• 10+ years of experience in quality management roles within automotive manufacturing (OEM or Tier 1/Tier 2 supplier). Candidates with fewer years but exceptional depth in IATF and VDA frameworks will be considered.
• Demonstrated experience managing QMS documentation systems and closing floor–document gaps in a manufacturing environment.
• Direct experience handling customer audits from major automotive OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers.

CERTIFICATIONS (REQUIRED / PREFERRED)

Required

Preferred / Advantageous

• IATF 16949 Lead Auditor

• ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor

• VDA 6.3 Process Auditor

• ISO 14001 / ISO 45001 Auditor

• CQE (ASQ) or Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt)

• APQP/PPAP/FMEA/MSA/SPC Core Tools training

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE & COMPETENCIES

• Deep working knowledge of IATF 16949:2016, ISO 9001:2015, VDA 6.3, and the AIAG Core Tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC).
• Understanding of ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety) as part of an integrated management system.
• Proficiency in Turtle Diagrams, Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, and layered process audits.
• Experience with CAPA management systems, 8D problem solving, and root cause analysis methodologies (5-Why, Ishikawa, fault tree).
• Working knowledge of SAP QM module or equivalent ERP quality functionality is an advantage.
• Comfortable with data analysis and quality dashboards—ability to translate shop-floor observations into structured, measurable reports.